Morocco a superior team to Bafana Bafana - Hugo Broos

The Belgian mentor says their North African counterparts are a far more superior team than Bafana, having finished fourth at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year. 

While the two nations have already progressed to the continental tournament in Ivory Coast next year, the 17 June clash will influence who tops the group.  

"Please start to understand that, if you play against teams like that – world champions France, [fourth] at the World Cup, Morocco – then you are the weakest team," highlighted Broos.

"Don't dream that you will, for this moment, have players as good as they do. The reality is that they [Atlas Lions] are a much better team than us for the moment.

"So, don't [expect] miracles, even if you lose 3-0 or 4-0, there's a good part in that, and the good part in the 5-0 against France was that we started thinking, 'Oh, wait. What do we have to do to have a better team?'"

For the Belgian tactician, facing Morocco is another big test that will provide valuable insights into his own team and where they need to improve ahead of the AFCON finals.

"On the other side, it's a good test for us to see where we are, but again, I was furious with the criticism after the France match," he added.

"And when I saw who did that, I asked myself, 'Do [they] know what football is all about?' Just look at the performances of our players, and look at how good or, if still, how bad we are – that is what we use these games for.

"Okay, we have to play this game, we didn't choose it, but for me, it will be a very interesting game, and I will not be angry if we lose. I will be very happy if we draw, and I can't explain how I will feel if we win.

"But, even if we do win against Morocco, don't think we have a world-beating team, but it will be a very big step [forward], that is true."

Catch the match LIVE on SABC 1, SABC Sport and SABC Radio Stations on Saturday, 17 June from 16h00.